There are several different types of bladder stones in dogs. Bladder stones form due to genetic predisposition, the concentration of minerals in the urine, urine pH (influenced by diet), the amount of water the dog drinks and bacterial infections (which can change the urine pH).

Your dog may have blood in the urine, urinate frequently (passing only very small amounts of urine) and strain while urinating. Often the diagnosis is confirmed by taking an X-ray. Our Southern Cross vets will normally take some urine for analysis. Some stones may be able to be dissolved by feeding special diets. Other stones or very large stones, may need to be removed by surgery. Even if the stone is removed, our vets will prescribe a maintenance special diet to prevent recurrence.